by Garrett Fodor
The Leamington Arts Centre (LAC) is celebrating 30-years of bringing art and local tourism to Leamington’s waterfront as part of “Arts at the Marina.”
From paintings and illustrations to photographs, live music, and one-of-a-kind creations, LAC brought over 40 vendors to the Leamington Municipal Marina and Rick Atkin Park. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event, organizers changed the date, moving it from the traditional Canada Day weekend to July 27 and 28th.
“It’s great to offer the community events, showcase what Leamington has to offer, while celebrating, creating, and sustaining the arts,” LAC Director and Curator, Chad Riley, said. “We’re fortunate to have had support this weekend and throughout the years, and it is rewarding to see the vendors comeback and also the new ones year-after-year.”
Riley noted it’s a special backdrop to showcase the arts. Throughout both days, there were various performances and acts heard, which is a crowd favourite. He noted how there were people who were sitting out all day on both days, taking in the arts and the sounds.
The event is run on an admission by donation basis, which Riley said helps to benefit the LAC, which uses the proceeds for programming and to keep the gallery going. Riley also noted he is grateful for the support they receive from the community sponsors, who helped to support the various events.
Outside of the “Arts at the Marina”, Riley notes LAC will host its annual “Mill Street Markets” on August 9 and September 13. The events feature live entertainment, artisan vendors, and more. Riley said the gallery and patio will be open, while also holding receptions with each show for new exhibitions coming to the gallery. The gallery will also be open for those to see the various exhibits.
Riley commented that they are just wrapping up a Leamington 150 exhibition, along with a mixed media exhibition and display from Doug Bedard— Guarding the nest and more. He encouraged everyone to check out the gallery and the exhibitions on display.
He noted how proud he is to see the tourism to Leamington, while also working towards LAC’s goals of providing community events with the partners they work with.
Comments